Counter-top kitchen appliance utility apparatus and system

ABSTRACT

A countertop appliance utility apparatus and system. The apparatus can include a movable drawer space and a movable platform that covers the drawer space. The coffee maker can be disposed upon the platform, which is slidably-extended distally from the drawer space. A user can pull a knob on the platform, thus drawing the coffee maker closer to the user along the counter surface. To store the coffee maker, the user returns the platform back to its rest or stored position. Additionally, if the user turns the knob to a certain position, only the platform extends when the knob is pulled. If the user turns the knob to another different position, both the drawer space and the platform extends if the knob is pulled. In another embodiment, a spoon drip/rest is provided on the movable platform, so as to prevent staining of surrounding countertop area.

BACKGROUND

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of kitchen appliances and more particularly to a counter-top kitchen appliance utility apparatus and system.

II. Description of the Related Art.

Kitchen appliances, particularly those appliances that are used on counter-tops, such as coffee makers, food processors, juicers, blenders and the like offer very useful functions but can be bulky and take-up too much space. While some appliances have occasional periods of use, there are those appliances such as coffee makers that have frequent use. While a user of frequently used appliances typically desire to have the appliance on the counter-top for ease of access and preventing the hassle of having to store the appliance after each use, the appliance can still take up too much space. For example, a coffee maker typically requires that a coffee filter and coffee grinds be added to the coffee maker. Typically, a lid on top of the coffee maker is opened to insert the filter and grinds. In addition, many users store their coffee makers toward a wall, typically underneath over-counter cabinets. It is often unruly to have to maneuver opening the lid, placing the filter and grinds, closing the lid and making the coffee while the coffee maker is underneath the cabinet. As such, a user typically moves the coffee maker back and forth during use. Since many coffee makers further include rubber feet for providing friction between the coffee maker and the counter, the friction makes the task more difficult to move the coffee maker.

SUMMARY

In general, the invention features a countertop appliance utility apparatus and system. In a typical embodiment, the counter-top appliance apparatus includes a movable drawer space and a movable platform that covers the drawer space, wherein a coffee maker is placed upon an upper surface. In a typical implementation, a user places coffee maker upon the platform which is slidably-extended distally from the drawer space when the user applies a pulling force to the platform. When it is desired that the coffee maker be moved to prepare the coffee maker for use (i.e. out from underneath a cabinet), the user will pull a knob on the platform, thus drawing the coffee maker closer to the user along the counter surface. To store the coffee maker, the user returns the platform back to its rest or stored position. The knob includes a function in addition to providing a convenient location to apply a push or pull force. In a typical implementation, if the user turns the knob to a certain position, only the platform extends when the knob is pulled. If the user turns the knob to another different position, both the drawer space and the platform extends if the knob is pulled. In another embodiment, a spoon drip/rest is provided on the movable platform, so as to prevent staining of surrounding countertop area.

In general, in one aspect, the invention features a counter-top applicant utility, apparatus including a base, a platform coupled to the base and a drawer coupled to the platform.

In one implementation, the platform is slidably coupled to the base.

In another implementation, the drawer is slidably coupled to the platform.

In another implementation, the drawer is further slidably coupled to the base when the drawer is in a locked position with respect to the platform.

In another implementation, the apparatus further includes mated tracks disposed between the base and the platform.

In another implementation, the apparatus further includes mated tracks disposed between the platform and the drawer.

In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a knob disposed on a front panel disposed on the drawer.

In still another implementation, the knob is rotatably disposed on the front panel.

In yet another implementation, the apparatus further includes a latch coupled to the knob and positioned within a hollow interior of the drawer.

In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a recess disposed on a lower surface of the platform and for receiving the latch when the drawer is locked with respect to the platform.

In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a latch disposed on the base for limiting extension of the platform from the base.

In another implementation, the latch includes a knob and a shaft coupled to the knob for interacting with a latch-track disposed on the base.

In another implementation, the apparatus further includes a rod disposed generally on a lower surface of the platform and for engaging the latch.

In another aspect, the invention features a counter-top appliance utility system, including a counter-top appliance, a platform for receiving the counter-top appliance, a base slidably connected to the platform and a drawer slidably connected to and lockable with the platform.

In one implementation, the system further includes a knob disposed on the drawer.

In another implementation, the knob is for asserted a force on the platform to extend and retract the platform from and to the base.

In another implementation the knob is for rotating to place the drawer in a locked and unlocked position with respect to the platform.

In another implementation, the system further includes a latch track disposed on the base.

In another implementation, the system further includes a latch disposed on the latch track to limit the extension of the tray from the base.

In another aspect, the invention features an appliance apparatus, including a platform for receiving a platform, means for supporting the platform, means for storing appliance items and means for extending and retracting the platform.

One advantage of the invention is that it eliminates the need to move a counter-top appliance around a countertop and into and out of storage.

Another advantage of the invention is that an appliance can be easily accessed and stored on a counter-top.

Another advantage of the invention is that utensils can be implemented without dripping liquids in the surrounding area.

Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention are apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a counter-top appliance utility apparatus in a fully closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a an embodiment of a counter-top appliance utility system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a counter-top appliance utility apparatus in a fully open position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a latch for a counter-top applicant utility apparatus; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a latch for a counter-top applicant utility apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to FIG. 1 that illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a counter-top appliance utility apparatus 100 in a fully closed position. In a typical embodiment, apparatus 100 includes base 105 coupled generally to platform 135, which is generally coupled to drawer 165. Drawer 165 typically includes drawer-front 170 to which knob 175 is disposed. In a typically implementation, knob 175 is rotatably connected to drawer 165 via drawer-front 170. As discussed further in the description below, knob 175 includes several functions such as slidably moving platform 135 and drawer 165 with respect to each other and with respect to base 105. Knob 175 further functions to lock platform 135 and drawer 165 with respect to each other.

In another embodiment, apparatus 100 further includes utensil-rest 195 generally disposed on upper surface 136 of platform 135. Utensil-rest 195 generally includes detent 196 into which utensils or other items can be placed, generally to function as a drip-catch to prevent liquids such as coffee from staining apparatus 100 and surrounding counter area. It is understood that utensil-rest 195 can be a variety of non-staining materials such as but not limited to porcelain, glass, stone, steel and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a counter-top appliance utility system 200. In a typical embodiment, system 200 includes apparatus 100 as described above and an appliance 400 removably disposed upon surface 136 of platform 135. In a typical implementation, appliance 400 is a coffee maker. As described above, platform 135 is slidably connected to base 105 such that when a user pulls on knob 175, platform 135 advantageously extends away from base 105, thereby allowing appliance 400 to be more accessible than when it is in its stored position, which is typically underneath cabinets 300. Apparatus 100 further includes feet 110, which are typically a frictional material such as rubber. Therefore, when a user pulls on knob 175 to extend platform 135 and drawer 165, base 105 remains stationary due to the frictional contact between feet 110 and counter-top 305. In a typical embodiment, and discussed further in the description below, platform 135 further includes wheels 140 to allow platform 135 and drawer 165, as a connected unit, to ride along counter-top 305. It is appreciated that platform 135 and drawer 165 generally extend and retract along a direction as indicated by arrow A.

By advantageously being able to extend and retract platform 135 (and drawer 165 as a connected unit with platform 135), a user can store and use appliance 400 while being able to retain appliance 400 on counter 305 remotely. Further features, function and advantages are now described.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a counter-top appliance utility apparatus 100 in a filly open position. As described above, apparatus 100 typically includes base 105, platform 135, and drawer 165. In the filly open position, it is appreciated that base 105 can advantageously be generally C-shaped. Base can include tracks 115 that are any conventional suitable tracks used in conventional drawers. Tracks 115 are coupled with mating tracks 145 disposed on short wall 150 disposed generally perpendicular on a lower surface 137 of platform 135. The slidable connection between mating tracks 115,145 allows the extension and retraction of platform 135 with respect to base 105. In addition, the slidable connection between mating tracks 115,145 allow the extension and retraction of platform 135, locked to drawer 165 when knob 175 is in the locked position, with respect to base 105. Base 105 typically further includes cord recess 116 so that a power cord can advantageously be stored within base and have an exit to reach a power source.

Similarly, drawer 165 includes tracks 180 disposed on side wall 185 of drawer 165. Tracks 180 have mating tracks 155 disposed on side wall 150 on platform 165 opposite tracks 145. The slidable connection between mating tracks 155,180 allows the extension and retraction of platform 135 with respect to drawer 165. Drawer 165 further includes drawer-front 170 to which knob 175 is disposed, as described above. As further described above, knob 175 is rotatably connected to drawer 165 via drawer-front 170. In a typical implementation, knob 175 typically rotates through ninety degrees to a locked and unlocked position. As discussed above, knob 175 slidably moving platform 135 and drawer 165 with respect to each other and with respect to base 105. Knob 175 further functions to lock platform 135 and drawer 165 with respect to each other. When drawer 165 is fully retracted underneath platform 135, knob 175 can be rotated, generally through arrow B, into its locked position such that latch 176 coupled to knob 175 can mate with recess 138 disposed on lower surface 137 of platform and in opposition to latch 175. The disposition of latch 176 within recess 138 allows platform 135 and drawer 165 to be locked with respect to one another so that when user pulls knob 175 for extension and retraction, platform 135 and drawer 165 travel as a single unit. When a user desires to place something into and take something from drawer 165, the user can rotate knob 175 through arrow B, which removes latch 176 from recess 138 and thereby unlocks drawer 165 from platform 135. Drawer 165 further includes hollow interior 166 for storage of items, such as but not limited to coffee filters and utensils. In this way, utensils can advantageously be transferred between hollow interior 166 and utensil-rest 195 as needed.

Referring still to FIG. 3 and to FIG. 4 that illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a latch 120 for a counter-top applicant utility apparatus 100, additional features and functions of apparatus 100 are now discussed. In a typical embodiment, base 105 can include an elongated latch-track 125, having notches 126. Latch 120 can typically include knob 121 coupled to shaft 122. Knob 121 and shaft 122 can typically be disposed on carriage 130 that is positionable along latch track 125. In atypical implementation, knob 121 and shaft 122 can be spring-loaded on carriage 130 such that shaft can engage and disengage with notches 126. Typically knob 121 and shaft 122 are biased into a position such that shaft 122 is positioned within one of notches 126. In this way, carriage 130 can be positioned to a desired location along latch-track 125 and locked into position be shaft 122 being engaged with notch 126. Wheel 132 typically can be used to lock carriage 130 to latch-track and allow ease of travel.

Platform 135 can include rod 139 disposed generally perpendicular on lower surface 137. In a typical implementation, when carriage 130 is locked into a position, it prevents rod from moving further adjacent latch-track 125. In general, rod 139 meets rod-stop notch 131 and stops movement. The above-described features and structures allow the extension of platform 135 from base 105 to be limited. In this way, platform 135 can only extend to a set point, determined by locked carriage 130. As such, a user can pre-set and change as desired, a position to which platform 135 extends.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a latch for a counter-top applicant utility apparatus 100. In general, knob 121 is detachable from shaft 122, which include head 123 and protrusion 124. In addition, latch-tracks 125 are typically two elongate beams arranged generally parallel, forming elongate notch 126. In addition, additional elongate notch 127 is disposed below latch-tracks 125. In a typically implementation, shaft 122 can be disposed through and positionable along elongate notch 127 as well as latch-tracks 125. Protrusion 124 is typically rectangular and can be positioned within elongate notch 127 to prevent rotation of shaft within elongate notch 127. Furthermore, knob 121 and shaft 122 can be placed into threaded engagement and tightened such that knob 121 and shaft 122 combination are locked to and cannot move along latch-tracks 125. Furthermore, rod 139 is positioned within elongate notch 126 and can travel along elongate notch 126 when platform 135 is extended and retracted from and to base 105. Similar to as described above, platform's extension can be limited by the placement of latch 120 along latch tracks 125. In a typical implementation, with knob 121 and shaft 122 combination locked along latch-tracks 125, extension of platform 135 is limited when rod 139 comes into contact with shaft 122. As desired a user can reposition latch 120.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A counter-top applicant utility apparatus, comprising: a base; a platform coupled to the base; and a drawer coupled to the platform.
 2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform is slidably coupled to the base.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drawer is slidably coupled to the platform.
 4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drawer is further slidably coupled to the base when the drawer is in a locked position with respect to the platform.
 5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising mated tracks disposed between the base and the platform.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising mated tracks disposed between the platform and the drawer.
 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a knob disposed on a front panel disposed on the drawer.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the knob is rotatably disposed on the front panel.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a latch coupled to the knob and positioned within a hollow interior of the drawer.
 10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a recess disposed on a lower surface of the platform and for receiving the latch when the drawer is locked with respect to the platform.
 11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a latch disposed on the base for limiting extension of the platform from the base.
 12. The apparatus as claimed in claim wherein the latch comprises: a knob; and a shaft coupled to the knob for interacting with a latch-track disposed on the base.
 13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a rod disposed generally on a lower surface of the platform and for engaging the latch.
 14. A counter-top appliance utility system, comprising: a counter-top appliance; a platform for receiving the counter-top appliance; a base slidably connected to the platform; and a drawer slidably connected to and lockable with the platform.
 15. The system as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a knob disposed on the drawer.
 16. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the knob is for asserted a force on the platform to extend and retract the platform from and to the base.
 17. The system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the knob is for rotating to place the drawer in a locked and unlocked position with respect to the platform.
 18. The system as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a latch track disposed on the base.
 19. The system as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a latch disposed on the latch track to limit the extension of the tray from the base.
 20. An appliance apparatus, comprising: a platform for receiving a platform; means for supporting the platform; means for storing appliance items; and means for extending and retracting the platform. 